Chief of Staff John Kelly makes quiet visit to his son’s grave site at Arlington

White House Chief of Staff John Kelly paid respects to his son Robert by visiting his grave at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday.

Kelly jointed President Trump as the president delivered remarks honoring the fallen and placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington on Memorial Day.

At it’s conclusion, Kelly visited the grave of Robert, a marine who was killed in 2010 in Afghanistan.

Robert Kelly was killed by an improvised explosive device in 2004 as an infantry officer taking part in combat operations in Afghanistan.

White House Chief of Staff John Kelly paid respects to his son Robert by visiting his grave at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday

Kelly spent time alone at the site, and was later accompanied by his wife, Karen Kelly, as well as Homeland Security chief Kirstjen Nielsen, his former top aide.

Last year, President Trump joined him during the visit, though this year he did not. 

Kelly praised his son during a combative appearance in the White House briefing room after gold star widow Myeshia Johnson blasted Trump for how he handled the condolence call to Army Sgt. La David Johnson.    

‘When he died he was surrounded by the best men on this earth. His friends,’ Kelly said, recalling the message he got from his condolence officer, Gen. James Dunford, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff. 

White House Chief of Staff John Kelly and his wife Karen pay their respects to their son, Marine Lt. Robert Kelly, at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day, May 27, 2018 in Arlington, Virginia

White House Chief of Staff John Kelly and his wife Karen pay their respects to their son, Marine Lt. Robert Kelly, at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day, May 27, 2018 in Arlington, Virginia

White House chief of staff John Kelly and his wife Karen wait for the start of a ceremony with President Donald Trump at the Memorial Amphitheater in Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, 2018 in Arlington, Va.

White House chief of staff John Kelly and his wife Karen wait for the start of a ceremony with President Donald Trump at the Memorial Amphitheater in Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, 2018 in Arlington, Va.

Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen, (R) embraces Karen Kelly, wife of White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, as they pay their respects to Marine Lt. Robert Kelly at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day, May 27, 2018 in Arlington, Virginia

Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen, (R) embraces Karen Kelly, wife of White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, as they pay their respects to Marine Lt. Robert Kelly at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day, May 27, 2018 in Arlington, Virginia

Kelly's visit to his son's grave was broadcast on cable

Kelly’s visit to his son’s grave was broadcast on cable

The grave of Marine Lt. Robert Kelly, son of White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, is seen at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day, May 27, 2018 in Arlington, Virginia. Mourners from throughout the United States travel to Arlington to visit their loved ones on Memorial Day

The grave of Marine Lt. Robert Kelly, son of White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, is seen at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day, May 27, 2018 in Arlington, Virginia. Mourners from throughout the United States travel to Arlington to visit their loved ones on Memorial Day

Last year President Donald Trump also visited the grave with Kelly

Last year President Donald Trump also visited the grave with Kelly

President Donald Trump speaks with Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly and Vice President Mike Pence before laying flowers on the grave of Kelly's son, First Lieutenant Robert Kelly, at Arlington National Cemetery on May 29, 2017 in Arlington, Virginia

President Donald Trump speaks with Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly and Vice President Mike Pence before laying flowers on the grave of Kelly’s son, First Lieutenant Robert Kelly, at Arlington National Cemetery on May 29, 2017 in Arlington, Virginia

Last year, Kelly also visited Robert’s grave. He was accompanied that time by President Trump, who placed yellow flowers on the grave.

The two men have had strained relations at times, including several weeks ago when Kelly reportedly called Trump an ‘idiot.’ Trump called it ‘fake news,’ but the New York Times reported he has been venting about Kelly to friends.

Trump also reportedly tore into Nielsen in a prolonged dressing-down about illegal immigration in front of fellow cabinet members. 



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